Pets at Christmas: Top tips to keeping your dog, cat happy and healthy this holiday season

From new toys to tinsel to fatty foods, the weather and Santa: there’s plenty for your pets to worry about this time of year. Here’s how to keep them safe.

18 month old Weimaraner, Indie. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Covid has caused enough disruption this Christmas for the second year in a row, so you want to do everything you can to ensure your pets don’t add to that these holidays.

Christmas Day is of course one of the best days of the year, but you need to keep an eye on the little things, especially when it comes to your pet, to ensure things don’t go awry.

Our pets can get even more excited than the kids, so it’s important to keep a lid on things.

Pet behaviourist Lara Shannon says you just have to be well prepared and know what to look out for.

Ashleigh and Rowan Train, with their 18 month old Weimaraner, Indie, love Christmas. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS

“Always have your dog on a lead or in another area when guests arrive,”, Ms Shannon said.

The dog can then be introduced to your guests, or understand they are in the home as friends and slowly become accustomed to that

Like the kids, your pets need a space for themselves when family and friends have gathered.

“On the day itself, make sure your pet has a safe room or area outside to take themselves too if they are feeling overwhelmed and that they have their bed, blankets, toys, water, food or a long-lasting chew – and that no one is allowed to interrupt them there, Ms Shannon said.

“Cats should have a high up place to escape to, or they may like to escape and hide under the bed. Let them be.

“Use pheromone appeasing sprays or diffusers in the area specific to dogs and cats. You could even pull down the blinds and put on some low music to block out the noise if things get a bit rowdy.

“Keep children away from the area at all times”

Lara Shannon with her dogs Darcy (left) and Vindi. Picture: Eugene Hyland.

BEWARE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES TOXIC TO YOUR PETS

Many traditional Christmas foods such as ham, turkey and pork are fatty and high in salt, they smell delicious, so of course your dog with want to join in the eating but don’t let them.

Christmas pudding and mince pies are two other big no-nos.

“It’s a time to be vigilant about keeping pets away from toxic or harmful food and alcoholic drinks,” Ms Shannon said.

“All of those foods are no good for dogs, with fruit, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins and alcohol all being extremely toxic.

“Always ask guests to refrain from feeding your dog any food, even if it’s “just a little bit” as it is often a time that many dogs end up in emergency vet clinics for pancreatitis or from toxic foods, causing pain and suffering, sometimes worse, in your dog and a lot of pain to your hip pocket.”

Always ask guests to refrain from feeding your dog any food, even if it’s “just a little bit”. Picture: Brad Fleet

KEEP YOUR PETS COOL IN THE SUMMER HEAT

“On hot days I am still dismayed at how many people are out walking or running their dogs in the heat with no regard to the pain or damage the hot paths and roads do to our dog’s paws, not to mention the risk of heatstroke”, Ms Shannon said.

Follow these simple tips to ensure your dog stays comfortable and happy on even the hottest summer day.

+ Always walk dogs early in the morning and in the evenings on a hot day. A good way to check if the ground is comfortable for your dog is to see if you can comfortably leave your hands on the road or footpath for five seconds without it feeling hot.

+ Put sunscreen on the sensitive or exposed areas such as nose, ears or bellies, especially where skin is exposed.

+ Ensure pets have plenty of shade (at all times of day) and cool, fresh water.

+ NEVER leave your dog in the car, even with the windows down and in the shade, on a day over 20 degrees.

+ If your dog is looking uncomfortably hot, cool them down with tap water (not iced), but you can give them ice blocks to lick or in their water bowl.

Brett Atkinson with kids Erin 13 and Brady 15 and dog Charli in their backyard. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Further information and dog behaviour & training tips can be found on www.larashannon.com